Friday, September 30, 2011

According to Nickelodeon USA on their official Twitter page (@NickelodeonTV), Victoria Justice, the star of Nickelodeon's live action series "Victorious", will be having a live website chat with her fans from all over the world, including with her fans in the UK and Ireland, on live video streaming website Ustream on Saturday 1st October 2011.

Some former teen stars might have faded into obscurity, but Kenan Thompson has been working solidly since he first rose to fame in classic Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel back in 1996.

Now a regular cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live, Kenan recently returned to his Nick roots to film a guest role in one-off special iParty - a crossover between hit shows iCarly and Victorious.

Digital Spy caught up with Kenan to chat about his projects past, present and future, and the secret of his success...

What can you tell us about iParty and your role in it?"Well, I play myself - or a celebrity version of myself, I guess! One of the kids on the show wants to have a party and uses my 'quote / unquote' mansion to have a party in.

"I come home and I join the party too, then there's a panda running around chasing me. It's been following me to different places and apparently it found my new house and it's giving me problems. There's just wackiness going on like that."

Are you pleased to still be associated with Nickelodeon after all these years?"Absolutely. They're my extended family and they gave me my first television work. I owe a lot to Nickelodeon.

"I'm very close to a lot of the people that run these shows. Dan Schneider - the writer of iCarly and Victorious - has been my friend for 15 years, and he asked me to do [iParty] so I said, 'Of course'."

How did you find it working with the latest generation of Nick stars?"It was really cool. It was interesting, because they're really focused and they all have very clear career goals! I don't know if I was that career-oriented, I think I was just a kid playing around! But they're very serious and very professional. But they're awesome - I've watched a lot of them grow up, especially [iCarly star] Miranda [Cosgrove].

"I've watched her since [2003 film] School of Rock when she was little, and now she's grown up and is putting out albums and stuff like that. It's really cool and I'm glad that they have [[a] platform to be able to branch off and do those things, while they work at Nick."

You also host 'The '90s Are All That' programming block for TeenNick, which includes Kenan & Kel - why do you think that show is still popular with viewers?"I don't know. I think we were just kids having a good time. We weren't trying to put too much on it. He and I were very close, and I think that's pretty apparent when you watch the show. So it was just a good feeling all the way around when you tuned in."

Do fans approach you more about Kenan & Kel or Saturday Night Live?"It's a mixture of both. If I have a 60-year-old Jewish lady come up to me, she's probably going to be talking about Saturday Night Live! Especially in New York - a lot of the older New York-ers have really been paying attention and stopping me at pharmacies and stuff. It's kind of surprising to see someone so outside of my own age bracket telling me about my work, so that's cool.

"But when younger people come up, or people my age, they talk about Kenan & Kel and ['90s Nick sketch show] All That being back on TV and how nostalgic it is, and how excited they are about it. It's really cool. Very flattering."

Do you mind people still talking about Kenan & Kel after all these years?"Oh no, not at all. I had some of the best times of my life on that show and I'm very close to a lot of the people still. It's a very sentimental moment for me when people come up to me and they're excited about it - it brings back good memories."

A lot of '90s teen stars seem to have vanished, but you're more successful than ever - what's your secret?"I don't know! I've always just tried to continue to be a working actor and let the work speak for itself, as opposed to promoting myself as someone who needs to be in everybody's living room. I guess I got blessed by [SNL creator] Lorne Michaels to come and join his family.

"I try to do my job there and going into my ninth season is just a blessing. So I'd say my secret would be just to be cool and get along with people, especially those that give you an opportunity."

Do you have a favourite character or impersonation that you do on SNL?"I know 'What's Up With That' - the whole sing-song sketch that I do - is one of the higher energy ones. That's one of the most fun to do, because it's involving a lot of the cast and we're all in it together. It's just a crazy time - I'm jumping up, dancing and singing. It's fun."

Do you have highlights or favourite memories from your years on the show?"Yeah, all of it! From the week before I started, with the audition process and all of that, then moving to New York kind of overnight, and everything in between up until this point. It's really been a cherishable experience. Is that a word - 'cherishable'?"

We'll go with that! You're also one of the longest-serving SNL cast members - do you think you'll beat the record to become number one?"I'm not sure, I don't know. Darrell Hammond did 14, so that's a lot! And Phil Hartman did 10, 12, 13 - something like that. Even did Tim Meadows did 10 or 11, so I've still got some time before I match them. I'm not opposed to trying, but I still got a long way to go if I want to beat the ol' Hammond!"

Do you still have any kind of dream TV or film project?"Yeah, I still have goals. I want to get into producing and writing more for myself - setting up my own films and seeing what kind of personal touch I can put on movies, as opposed to just being in them. That's always a goal of mine. As far as particular projects, I don't know, but there's certain people I'd like to work with, like Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Chris Tucker, Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence.

"That's just on the natural black side, but as far as the whole spectrum goes, it could be anybody. I'm a fan of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and all these people. If i could end up like Jonah Hill, winding up in a Brad Pitt movie, that would be awesome."

Finally, you probably get asked this question a lot, but do you think we could ever see a Kenan & Kel reunion show?"That's an interesting question. I don't know, I have no idea."

Is it something you'd be open to?"I don't really know, I have no idea, honestly. It would be interesting. I think the show lives better where it's at, in the time it was in. I wouldn't want to taint that."

Royal Court Liverpool are delighted to announce a traditional pantomime this Christmas!

Royal Court Liverpool have joined up with Crown Productions to put on a show that will bring Christmas to life.

This timeless story of a beautiful princess in a fairytale land is perfect for children of all ages and the show is packed with local talent. Sparkling sets, lavish costumes and lots of silly jokes – this is everything that pantomime should be.

And with tickets available from £10 you can bring the whole family for a real festive treat.

So get ready to be amazed by the dancers, join in with the singing and boo the wicked queen at the only traditional pantomime in the city!

Cast confirmed:

Star of Shameless Tina Malone

Nickleodeon's Jamie Rickers

The one and only Pete Price

Juice FM's Leanne Campbell

The legendary Micky Finn

Grange Hill's Chris Crookall

The dashing James Waud

and introducing Lizzie Warburton as Snow White

You can find out more information about The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool's 2011-2012 pantomime production of "Snow White" and book tickets to see the pantomime on The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool website. £1 from every ticket bought will be donated to The Royal Court Liverpool Trust.

First Family Entertainment and New Wimbledon Theatre are thrilled to announce the casting of Dame Edna Everage in this year's pantomime Dick Whittington. The original desperate housewife turned global gigastar makes her pantomime debut as the Spirit of London and will be joined by Dancing on Ice champion Sam Attwater as Dick Whittington and Nickelodeon presenter Anna Williamson as Alice.

Make sure you join Dick Whittington and his trusted feline companion on their fun-filled quest for fame and fortune. Will they find the streets paved with gold? Will Dick win the hand of the lovely Alice? Will he defeat the boo-able King Rat? You will have to get down to New Wimbledon Theatre to find out!

Featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients; sensational songs, a live band, dazzling dance routines, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation – Dick Whittington is a classic tale of rags to riches, and is guaranteed to be full of wonder to delight audiences of all ages.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

TUFF Puppy is the latest zany Nickelodeon animation that is hoping to match the success and crossover appeal of SpongeBob SquarePants. At the show's helm is animation guru and voiceover star Butch Hartman.

A regular voice guest on Family Guy and a pal of Seth MacFarlane, we caught up with Butch to find out what he was hoping to bring to the world of kids' TV.

Can you tell us a little bit about TUFF Puppy?"TUFF Puppy came on in the US in October 2010 and it's already the number two cartoon on the whole of cable. It's only behind SpongeBob. It's about a secret agent dog who fights crime for the TUFF agency.

Our lead character Dudley Puppy is voiced by Jerry Trainor from iCarly and his character has the powers of every single dog. But he's a complete moron. Seriously he's a complete moron. Whenever there's a criminal to catch he begins to scratch his ear or whatever it is that dogs begin to do.

"Our main criminal is a rat called Verminious Snaptrap. He's very camp and usually starts by saying something like, 'ooh I want to do something very evil today!' We have some very funny episodes where Snaptrap ends up dating Dudley Puppy's mum. The whole episode is based around the idea that Dudley could have Snaptrap as a dad."

As a voiceover expert, what were your reasons for picking Jerry Trainor to voice Dudley?"Jerry is very funny. We auditioned literally dozens and dozens of people. I was even going to do the voice at one point. Jerry auditioned for the part and was very, very funny. He was the first person to make us laugh in an audition."

How did you first get into animation?"I started out being a cartoonist at school, but I went to CalArts to study. I was working on My Little Pony in the '80s, but I got fired because I couldn't draw the ponies well enough. It was a horrible show."

Did you always want to be a cartoonist?"I grew up wanting to work for Walt Disney Studios, but funnily to this day, I haven't. I always wanted to, but I also wanted to make my own stuff. I didn't want to be the guy working on a show, because then one day you may be out of a job."

You've famously worked on Family Guy. Do you find it hard to resist voicing characters on your own shows?"I have done some voices for Family Guy. I do sometimes make suggestions and start speaking to the actors in the voices of their characters, which can be unnerving for them I think. I sometimes sneak them in there. I just love the sound of my own voice. But I don't think mine is as funny as other people's. I think a lot of guys think they can do voice acting, but when you hear the pros and they are so great... that's a little intimidating."

Who are your favourite comics?"Oh boy, the list is so long. I used to love Eddie Murphy. I loved George Carlin, I love Steve Martin. Those are my old school ones. I love Steve Carell. I love Ricky Gervais. I love Extras and the original Office. Will Ferrell as well is absolutely hilarious. The only cartoons I get a big kick out of are SpongeBob and The Simpsons."

Do you ever base characters on people you know or celebrities?"We're actually thinking about doing a character in TUFF Puppy called Charlie Sheep. You know, 'winning... baaa... winning'. We sometimes base characters on people. The only problem doing something like that is that it can date the show. If we did a Lindsay Lohan character, it would really date the show."

Animation is a lot more high-tech these days. Do you miss the old pad and pencil techniques?"I thought I would miss it. I had a computer in here for three years, this incredible electronic tablet and I just sat there looking at it. I'd draw and look at it, draw and look at it. People kept saying, 'it will make your life easier'. I kept saying, 'no, I don't want to learn'. But then I was out of town one time for four weeks. I sat and learnt it and now I love it. I can do more on it. I can do vast more amounts of work. I used colour with markers and then you'd run out of ink and you could never get the colour right. The nice thing to know though is that if all the power goes out in the world, I can still pick up a pen and draw if I want to."

JAKKS' Winx Club product line is scheduled to launch in the U.S., Australia, North America, Latin America and the UK in Fall 2012 to coincide with the premiere of the brand new CG episodes of Winx Club on Nickelodeon and will span multiple categories, including dolls, playsets, role play, dress-up and Halloween costumes.

"The agreement with Funtastic for the Winx Club product line strengthens our international presence in the girls toy aisle," said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "We are looking forward to introducing to the Australian market our comprehensive line of Winx Club products that bring positive messages of girl empowerment, friendship, adventure, magic and fashion that Winx Club epitomizes."

Stewart Downs, Chief Executive Officer, Funtastic Limited, added, "We are looking forward to bringing the magic of JAKKS' Winx Club product line to young girls in Australia, and we are thrilled to have been chosen as their distribution partner for this innovative girls' brand."

Winx Club is an animated modern fantasy adventure series that follows six best friends -- Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Aisha -- enrolled in Alfea College, the finest fairy school in all the realms. When trouble arises, the Winx girls transform into beautiful fairies who use their unique magical powers to fight villains and save the world from evil. Winx Club first debuted in Italy six years ago and quickly became a hit that has generated an international franchise of toys, books, clothing, and DVDs, as well as a CG-animated feature film.

The Winx Club began airing on Nickelodeon in the U.S. in June 2011 and in Australia in September 2011 with four specials premiering monthly through the fall, followed by a weekly series of Winx Club seasons three and four. Culled from the first two seasons of the Italian hit series from Rainbow S.p.A., the four specials include state-of-the-art visual effects and feature the voices of some of Nick's biggest stars, including: Keke Palmer (True Jackson, VP) as Aisha; Elizabeth Gillies (Victorious) as Daphne; Ariana Grande (Victorious) as Diaspro; and Matt Shively (True Jackson, VP) as Skye; as well as Molly Quinn (Castle) as Bloom. Cymphonique Miller (How to Rock) performs the show's theme song, "Winx You're Magic Now." Winx Club is a co-production with Rainbow S.p.A. and Nickelodeon.

About Funtastic Limited

Funtastic Limited (asx:FUN) supplies retailers and customers across Australia, and the world, with an array of leading products for kids of all ages.

As one of Australia's leading distributors of toys, sporting, confectionery and nursery products, Funtastic is proud to partner with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. on brands including Cabbage Patch Kids(R), Real Construction(TM) and Spy Net(TM).

For more information visit www.funtastic.com.au .

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com . Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (VIA -0.09%) (VIA.B +0.12%).

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

According to the Sky Media website, here are Nickelodeon UK's, Nicktoons and Nick Jr. Channel's highlights for October 2011:

SpongeBob Week (Half-Term)NickToonsStarts Monday 24 October

Catch all your favourite underwater friends this week everyday on NickToons as we countdown the top 100 episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Victorious (including iParty with Victorious)NickelodeonFriday 7 October at 6pm

It's all about Victoria Justice this month on Nickelodeon and to celebrate Nickelodeon are showing an exclusive crossover episode with two favourite Nickelodeon stars, Miranda Cosgrove and Victoria Justice. Carly suspects that her new boyfriend, Steven, is cheating on her with Tori Vega, so the gang plans a trip to Los Angeles to catch him in the act at a party thrown by Andre at Kenan Thompson's house.

Poppy CatNick JrMonday 24 October

Poppy Cat is an inquisitive, excitable and energetic cat who will be going on all sorts of adventures this month on Nick Jr.

Bubble GuppiesNick JrMonday 10 October

Dive in and discover something fin-tastic every day! It's time to learn, it's time to laugh, it's time for Bubble Guppies! A themed, interactive variety show for children 2-5 set in a vibrant aquarium-inspired underwater classroom.

Brand New Episodes Of "Power Rangers Samurai" - Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will be premiering brand new episodes of "Power Rangers Samurai" during a "Power Rangers Samurai Premiere Week" from Monday 3rd October 2011 every weekday at 5pm.

Although currently unconfirmed, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will probably broadcast the premiere of the Original Nickelodeon Movie "The Boy Who Cried Werewolf", which stars Victoria Justice from Nickelodeon live action series "Victorious", and the premiere of the brand new Halloween holiday special episode of "Big Time Rush" titled "Big Time Halloween", which guest stars Bro-bee from Nick Jr.'s "Yo Gabba Gabba!", during "Halloween On Nickelodeon UK 2011".

It is not yet confirmed whether the new episodes of "Fanboy and Chum Chum" on NickToons UK will be brand new episodes to Nickelodeon UK viewers, or if they will be "New To NickToons", where the new episodes of "Fanboy and Chum Chum" have already been premiered on Nickelodeon UK.

According to Sky's on-screen TV Guide (Sky's electronic program guide/EPG) and the Sky Guide TV Listings website, straight after Nickelodeon UK And Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD has premiered the brand new "iCarly"/"Victorious" crossover special "iParty" on Friday 7th October 2011 at 6pm, Nickelodeon UK And Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will be repeating "iParty" over three back to back episodes from 7:30pm, with the crossover special being called it's original title "iParty with Victorious".

iParty with Victorious - Part 1 of 3

The cast of iCarly and Victorious get together for this all-singing, all-dancing special.

Length 30 minsChildren, Comedy

HD

According to Sky's on-screen TV Guide, Nickelodeon UK And Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will also be reshowing "iParty with Victorious" over three parts again on Saturday 8th October 2011 from 11am, and then later again that day from 4pm, then twice again on Sunday 9th October 2011 from 8.55am and then again from 5pm.

According to one of Nickelodeon UK's latest Google AdWords advertisements (pictured below), which are usually displayed at the top or bottom of Google's search results when you search for a search term that is Nickelodeon related, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will be airing brand new episodes of the hit Nickelodeon show "Victorious" during the October 2011 school half-term holiday (Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October 2011).

It is not yet confirmed whether the new episodes of "Victorious" that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will broadcast during the October 2011 school half-term holiday will be more brand new episodes, or if they'll be repeats of the brand new episodes of "Victorious" that Nick UK and Ireland and Nick UK HD aired earlier during October 2011 to give Nick UK and Ireland and Nick UK HD viewers the chance to catch up on the brand new episodes of "Victorious".

Below is a description about the brand new Winx Club special "Revenge Of The Trix" from Nickelodeon UK's new "Premiere Of Winx Club Special 'Revenge Of The Trix'" trailer:

The Winx magic returns to Nickelodeon

Discover the secret that will change Bloom's life forever

Below is a streaming video of Nickelodeon UK's new "Premiere Of "Winx Club" Special "Revenge Of The Trix"" trailer to promote Nickelodeon UK and Ireland showing the brand new "The Winx Club" special "Revenge Of The Trix" on Saturday 15th October 2011.

Below is a streaming video of one of Nickelodeon UK's latest "New Episodes Of Victorious" episodic trailers to advertise the premiere of the second brand new episode of "Victorious" called "Sleepover at Sikowitz's" on Monday 10th October 2011 at 6pm on Nickelodeon UK, Nickelodeon Ireland, and Nickelodeon HD UK as part of "Victorious Takes Over Nickelodeon Month" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD.

"Sleepover at Sikowitz's" is the last episode of season one of "Victorious".

According to Nickelodeon UK's new "Premiere Of Fred: The Movie" trailers (below), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland will premiere the movie "Fred: The Movie" (also known as "FЯED: THE MOVIE") on Friday 14th October 2011 at 6pm, followed by the "iCarly" episode "iMeet Fred", which guest stars Fred Figglehorn and the actor who plays Fred Figglehorn, Lucas Cruikshank.

Hey! It's Fred (Lucas Cruikshank), the incredible Youtube sensation, in his first movie! And he is in love with the girl next door, Judy (Pixie Lott). But his nemesis neighbour, Kevin, thwarts all attempt Fred makes to see her, and when he finally succeeds in making it over to Judy's house...she's moved!

With the advice of his super-cool dad (John Cena, The Marine), Fred embarks on an epic journey full of gut-busting fun to find her. So jump in the kiddie pool and join Fred, Bertha (Jeanette McCurdy, iCarly), and the whole gang for a hilariously good time in Fred:The Movie!

Through the movie, the millions of fans of Fred will be very excited to meet, for the first time, many of the hilarious characters in Fred's world that Fred refers to in his YouTube videos.

The brand new Nickelodeon Original Primetime Television Movie "The Boy Who Cried Werewolf" follows Jordan Sands (Victoria Justice), a shy and unpopular teenager who, through an accident, is transformed into a werewolf during a visit to Wolfsberg, Romania where her family, her widowed father David (Matt Winston) and her brother Hunter (Chase Ellison), has inherited an ancient castle. Brooke Shields ("The Middle" and "Lipstick Jungle") also stars as stern Romanian housekeeper Madame Varcolac, the longtime proprietor of the castle who is "the only one privy to all of its peculiarities".

7:44pmNicksclusive It's on Nick, and it's exclusive, which science tells us must mean it's a Nicksclusive! Today, behind the scenes at Victorious.

Below is a streaming video of Nickelodeon UK's latest "New Episodes Of Victorious" episodic trailers to advertise the premiere of the third brand new episode of "Victorious" called "Ice Cream for Ke$ha" on Monday 17th October 2011 at 6pm on Nickelodeon UK, Nickelodeon Ireland, and Nickelodeon HD UK and 7pm on Nick Replay as part of "Victorious Takes Over Nickelodeon Month" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, Nickelodeon UK HD and Nick Replay.

According to Nickelodeon UK's new ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week" trailer, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be premiering brand new episodes of the animated Nickelodeon series ("NickToon") "SpongeBob SquarePants" during ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week", every weekday between Monday 17th October 2011 until Friday 21st October 2011 at 5pm (and 6pm on Nick Replay UK and Ireland).

From Nickelodeon UK's new ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week" trailer, the brand new episodes of "SpongeBob SquarePants" which Nick UK and Ireland, Nick HD UK and Nick Replay UK and Ireland will premiere during Nickelodeon UK's ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week" will be from season 7 of "SpongeBob SquarePants", and will include the brand new "SpongeBob SquarePants" season seven episodes "The Great Patty Caper" (which is also known as "SpongeBob's Mystery with a Twistery"), "Krusty Dogs", and "Love That Squid".

Below is a transcript of Nickelodeon UK's new ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week" trailer:

In brand new SpongeBob:

Who steals the key to the secret formula? ["The Great Patty Caper" (aka "SpongeBob's Mystery with a Twistery"]

Where are Mr. Krabs clothes?

Who's that dried up sponge?

What's a Krusty Dog? [Krusty Dogs]

When did Sandy get so buff?

Why's SpongeBob wearing lipstick? ["Love That Squid"]

And, when did Squidward become a sausage? [Krusty Dogs]

Get the answers to all these life-changing questions and loads more in brand new SpongeBob, all next week at 5pm, only on Nickelodeon!

Below is a streaming video of Nickelodeon UK's new ""SpongeBob SquarePants" Premiere Week" trailer to promote Nickelodeon UK and Ireland premiering brand new episodes of "SpongeBob SquarePants" every weekday between Monday 17th October 2011 until Friday 21st October 2011 at 5pm (and 6pm on Nick Replay UK and Ireland):

According to the online TV guideDigiguide, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will premiere the brand new live-action show "Life with Boys" on Friday 21st October 2011 at 8:00pm (9pm on Nick Replay), with Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK continuing to premiere brand new episodes of "Life with Boys" every Friday at 8pm (9pm on Nick Replay).

The first "Life with Boys" episode Nickelodeon UK and Ireland will broadcast will be the episode titled "Wrestling with Boys".

Friday, October 21st, 2011 onNickelodeon from 8:00pm to 8:30pm

Wrestling with Boys.

Tess convinces Jack to let her join the wrestling team, but then discovers that she may have damaged her "girl-cred" in the process.

Nickelodeon UK's brand new live-action show "Life with Boys" follows Tess Foster (Torri Webster) as she copes living in a home with just boys, her father and her three brothers. With the help of her best friend, she pulls through. The cast of "Life with Boys" stars Torri Webster as Tess Foster, Michael Murphy as Sam Foster, Jake Goodman as Spencer Foster, Nathan McLeod as Gabe Foster, Sandy Jobin-Bevans as Jack, and Madison Pettis as Allie.

Internet sensation Lucas Cruikshank is back as the fast-talking, hyperactive teenager Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred, premiering Saturday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Kicking off the Halloween season and based on one of the most popular internet characters of all time, the two-hour sequel follows Fred on his latest quest to expose his new music teacher, Mr. Devlin, as a vampire.

"Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred" stars Lucas Cruikshank as "Fred Figglehorn", and co-stars Nickelodeon stars Daniella Monet (who co-stars and plays the character "Trina Vega" in the Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious" and as the live action version of the "The Fairly OddParents" character "Tootie" in the original Nickelodeon television movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!") as "Bertha" (previously played by Jennette McCurdy, who co-stars and plays the character "Sam Puckett" in the Nickelodeon sitcom "iCarly"), Carlos Knight (who co-stars and plays the character "Owen Reynolds" in the Nickelodeon series "Supah Ninjas") as Kevin's friend and partner, and Jake Weary as "Kevin" and professional American wrestler from World Wrestling Entertainment's "WWE Raw"John Cena as Fred Figglehorn's dad.

The brand new Nickelodeon Original Primetime Television Movie "The Boy Who Cried Werewolf" follows Jordan Sands (Victoria Justice), a shy and unpopular teenager who, through an accident, is transformed into a werewolf during a visit to Wolfsberg, Romania where her family, her widowed father David (Matt Winston) and her brother Hunter (Chase Ellison), has inherited an ancient castle. Brooke Shields ("The Middle" and "Lipstick Jungle") also stars as stern Romanian housekeeper Madame Varcolac, the longtime proprietor of the castle who is "the only one privy to all of its peculiarities".

According to Nickelodeon UK'sofficial Twitter page (@NickelodeonUK), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland didn't premiere the brand new "Winx Club" Special "Revenge Of The Trix" as planned and scheduled on Saturday 15th October 2011, possibly due to a technical problem. Nickelodeon UK has announced on their official Twitter page that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will now premiere the brand new "Winx Club" special "Revenge Of The Trix" on Saturday 22nd October 2011 at 4.30pm (5.30pm on Nick Replay), and that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will also be premiering more brand new specials of the "Winx Club" later this year (2011).

Hey [...] you can catch brand new Winx this Saturday (22nd Oct) at 4.30pm! Plus look out for new specials of Winx later in the year

Tune into "N-View" for exclusive reports on the latest movies, [video] games, Nickelodeon events, and much, much more, Friday at 4.15pm, only on Nickelodeon!

From Nickelodeon UK's new "Tune Into N-View" promo, it looks like the latest new episode of Nickelodeon's "N-View" will be going behind the scenes of the "iCarly"/"Victorious" crossover special "iParty With Victorious" and the making of the recording of the song "Leave It All to Shine" from "iParty With Victorious" which mixes the "iCarly" theme tune ("Leave It All to Me") and the "Victorious" theme tune ("Make It Shine") together into one song and is sung by the casts of "iCarly" and "Victorious".

You can also watch the very first episode of Nickelodeon Europe's children's entertainment magazine television show "N-View" (in English) and N-View's on-air design package at NickALive!'s Nickelodeon design blog Nickelodeon TV Media.

Exclusive special episodes of the Nickelodeon shows "iCarly" and "Victorious", featuring the "Victorious" special "Freak the Freak Out" and the "iCarly"/"Victorious" crossover special "iParty With Victorious".

Weekend Marathons, including an "iCarly" marathon on Sunday 29th October 2011 from 8:59am to 10.30pm.

Below is a streaming video of Nickelodeon UK's new "It's The Only Place To Be, This Half Term, All Next Week, On Nickelodeon" trailer to promote the October 2011 school half-term on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD:

[...] its brand new Victorious everyday in half-term! There are some great iCarly specials on tho & marathon all day Sat 29th

According to the online television schedule guideDigiguide, Nickelodeon UK will premiere the brand new animated show "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" on NickToons UK and Ireland on Monday 31st October 2011 at 5:30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nicktoons Replay), with NickToons UK continuing to premiere brand new episodes of "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" every weekday at 5.30pm (6.30pm on Nick Replay) throughout November 2011.

The Matt Hatter Chronicles (Children's)

Matt Hatter was just an ordinary boy until he stumbled upon his extraordinary destiny. He and his friends must battle and capture infamous villains from myth and legend to save our world!

Here is a description of NickToons' brand new animated series "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" from the official "The Matt Hatter Chronicles" website, MattHatter.com:

"Matt Hatter Chronicles"

Matt Hatter was just an ordinary 13 year old boy until he stumbled upon the Hatter family secret.

The Hatters are the defenders of a gateway to a different dimension - the Multiverse. To save our world and the Multiverse Matt must battle and capture infamous villains from Movie, Myth and Legend.

Although Matt will have to rely on himself first and foremost, he will also have the help of two special friends, Roxie and Gomez.

Adventure Has A New Dimension

Below is a high quality high-definition (HD) streaming video of Nickelodeon UK's new "The Matt Hatter Chronicles Coming Soon" teaser trailer (originally posted on NickALive! on Tuesday, October 04, 2011) to advertise that NickToons UK and Ireland will soon be premiering the brand new animated show "The Matt Hatter Chronicles". Nickelodeon UK's new "The Matt Hatter Chronicles Coming Soon" teaser trailer was made by creative studio "PIXEL DNA".

Motion Graphics created as part of a teaser campaign to promote the brand new cartoon 'Matt Hatter' coming soon to Nick Toons.

According to the online television schedule guideDigiguide, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will premiere of the brand new "Big Time Rush" Halloween holiday special episode called "Big Time Halloween", which guest stars Bro-bee from Nick Jr.'s "Yo Gabba Gabba!" on Sunday 30th October 2011 at 5:00pm (6pm on Nick Replay), followed by the supernatural-themed "Big Time Rush" episode called "Big Time Terror" at 6.55pm.

Big Time Rush (Childrens)

Sunday, October 30th, 2011 on Nickelodeon from 5:00pm to 5:30pm

Big Time Halloween.

It's Halloween in Palm Woodsylvania, and the monstrous personas of Big Time Rush come to light as James, Logan, Carlos and Kendal each assume their otherworldly forms.

According to the online TV schedule guide Digiguide, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will repeat the Halloween special of "Big Time Rush" titled "Big Time Halloween" on the same night (Sunday 30th October 2011) at 7:30pm (8.30pm on Nick Replay), and again on Monday 31st October 2011 at 4:30pm (5.30pm on Nick Replay) and at 9pm (10pm on Nick Replay).

According to Sky's on-screen TV Guide and the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland has extended it's broadcast hours and have started broadcasting 24 hours a day.

Until Monday 3rd October 2011, between 11pm and 2am, instead of Nickelodeon UK showing "Teleshopping", Nickelodeon UK have started showing Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows through the night, such as the original Nickelodeon animated shows (NickToons) "Fanboy & Chum Chum", and "The Penguins Of Madagascar", and Nick Jr.'s "Poppy Cat", "Olive the Ostrich", "Peppa Pig", and "Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom". Also, instead of advertisements, during 11pm and 2am (I think up until 6am), Nickelodeon UK is showing trailers for Nickelodeon shows, and Nickelodeon shorts, such as "Bollywood Bob" (a Bollywood-style "SpongeBob SquarePants" short) and "Purple and Brown".

It is currently unknown when Nickelodeon UK first started to broadcast twenty four hours a day, however, on Sunday 25th September 2011, even though Sky's on-screen TV Guide said that Nickelodeon UK had signed-off for the night and was broadcasting "Teleshopping", Nickelodeon UK were showing episodes of "Fanboy and Chum Chum" at around 11pm that night (a bit like Nickelodeon UK's "Pirate TV" from 1995).

Nickelodeon UK broadcasting 24 hours a day is only temporary though, as according to Sky's electronic program guide/EPG, Nickelodeon UK will start to broadcast "Teleshopping" again during the night from Monday 3rd October 2011 between 11pm and 2am.

Over the past several years, much of the focus in kids' TV has been on the popularity of live-action programs, spurred by the success of such shows as Disney's "Hannah Montana" and "High School Musical" and Nickelodeon's "iCarly." But at this year's Mipcom Junior, animation is front and center.Animation is still important, still strong and still the easiest way to capture the broadest audience," says Steve Greider, exec veep of Nickelodeon and program sales at Viacom International Media Networks. "Even if kids grow into live action sooner than they used to, animation still grabs the largest audience."

The advantages of animation in a global market are many. The art form easily crosses boundaries, entertaining kids of all cultures and territories. The technology needed to produce animation has evolved exponentially, making it easier and more cost-effective to produce cutting-edge shows that include computer-generated effects, such as Warner Bros.' upcoming TV version of its "Green Lantern" franchise, which will air as part of Cartoon Network's new DC Nation block.

"Animation has always been at the center of our business," says Jules Borkent, head of Nick's global programming and acquisitions team.

Nickelodeon has several big entries to show off this year. One is DreamWorks' "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness," which is being spun out of DreamWorks' successful animated features. That follows in the footsteps of another DreamWorks' production, "Penguins of Madagascar," which turned in ratings second only to Nick veteran "SpongeBob SquarePants" when it debuted in 2009. Another is "T.U.F.F. Puppy," voiced by Jerry Trainor of "iCarly" and targeted at kids ages 3 to 8.

But even global brand Nickelodeon is looking abroad to complete its rosters, importing "Kikoriki" from Russia's Riki Group and "Pocoyo" -- about a small blue boy, his dog Loula and his other animal friends -- from Spain's Zinkia Entertainment.

"Until a child is modified by their environment, the same themes will work with kids all around the world," says Maria Doolan, m.d. of brand and business development for Zinkia, which strategically developed "Pocoyo" to appeal as a global brand. Today, "Pocoyo" is in more than 150 territories and is distributed in many markets by the U.K.'s Cake.

Shows like "Kikoriki" and "Pocoyo" benefit from the challenging global economic environment, which is forcing established companies to look outward to find new programs. Tough economics combined with generous subsidies and tax breaks in territories such as Canada and France also are encouraging co-productions.

Historically, co-productions were something people talked about more than they did," says Richard Goldsmith, EVP of global distribution for the Jim Henson Co. "In the past couple of years, it's really become quite the opposite. They are something that's very important to our business."

Henson is bringing to Mipcom Junior 26 halfhours of "Pajanimals," co-produced with Northern Ireland's Sixteen South and U.S. kids' network Sprout. "Pajanimals" pleasantly escorts preschoolers with songs and fun through all of their daily routines, from waking up to falling asleep.

Besides "Pajanimals," Henson also is bringing new episodes of "Dinosaur Train" and "Sid the Science Kid," known to U.S. viewers through their PBS airings. Henson works with Singapore's Sparky Animation on "Sid."

Clearly, the biggest reason to do co-productions are the financial incentives," says Goldsmith. "You can access government incentives that presently are not available in the U.S. At the end of the day, when you look at your budgets and you can get 10% to 40% of your budgets from these incentives, that changes the economics of the series.

Co-productions also are important because your content can then often qualify in the EU and Canada as locally produced content, so you have more chance of selling your show locally."

Several companies that typically have done all of their production on their own in the U.S., such as Cartoon Network, are now reaching out to producers in other countries. Cartoon Network is bringing "The Amazing World of Gumball," its first show entirely produced in the U.K., to Mipcom after a successful U.S. debut last spring. "Gumball," created and produced by French producer Ben Bocquelet, is about a boy whose best friend is a goldfish and whose stay-at-home dad is a giant pink rabbit.

One major kids' industry executive recently said he felt that animation is dead in the business, but I think that's a load of hogwash," says Cake chief content officer and m.d. Ed Galton. "Mediocre shows are dead in the business. Kids know the difference between a show that's really good and one that's not."

While most kids’ artwork ends up on mum and dad’s fridge, pinned between postcards from friends and family far and wide, lucky pupils from across the UK have had their drawings and creativities used in a prime time cartoon. Not only that, the cartoon is narrated by the wobble-board whistling children’s favourite Rolf Harris!

Pupils from 46 UK schools got their hands dirty to create Olive the Ostrich, a cartoon that sees the long legged bird travel on fantastical adventures to somewhere new while solving problems and helping friends along the way.

To help her, children used drawings, beads and anything they could find to create the artwork and story lines that appear in the show.

Laura Ellison, the voice of Olive, visited all the schools, working with 6 to 9 year-olds, to develop the show using their unique, creative and youthful approach to the project - with surprising results!

All took part in workshops with the creators, cast and crew of the show, to come up with everything from guest characters to places and objects that Olive encounters.

Supported by the Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts, the idea behind the project came because thousands of children leave school having never set foot in an art gallery, or having watched a performance in a theatre or listened to an orchestra play - all while it’s known that early engagement with the arts has a positive impact on young people (raising aspirations, increasing confidence, improving communication skills and unlocking creativity).

The Prince’s Foundation helped the shows’ creators to identify schools in areas that don’t often have regular access to arts funding, giving the children opportunities they might not normally have.

The first of its kind production on this scale was a joint initiative between the Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts, Blue-Zoo Productions, and Nickelodeon’s award winning pre-school channel Nick Jnr.

Olive the Ostrich is being shown on Nick Jnr. every week day from now and through October.

Saban Brands announces new European broadcast deals; brand now has over 100 licensees on board.

Saban Brands has put pen to paper on a raft of new broadcast and licensing deals for its Power Rangers Samurai property.

MarVista Entertainment, the exclusive television distributor for the brand, has secured broadcast deals in several new territories.

Fernando Szew, CEO of MarVista, said: "We welcome Mediaset’s Italia 1 and Boing in Italy, SIC of Portugal, Channel 9 in Australia, TV4 in New Zealand, and South Afrca’s E-TV to the Power Rangers Samurai family."

The series is also syndicated in Canada, France, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Uruguay.

Kirk Bloomgarden, SVP, Saban Brands, said: "Duplicating its number one status on Nickelodeon in the US, Power Rangers Samurai is forging ahead in the international market, with number one rankings on Nickelodeon in the UK and Mexico."

He added: "We have established a powerful team of strategic partners across the globe from distribution to broadcast and licensing – that continues to bring our vision for the brand to fruition."

Bandai are master toy partners with Namco Bandai providing interactive entertainment, while Mega Brands is also on board for construction toys.

New licensees in the UK and Europe include AABrands for apparel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; Aykroyd for apparel in the UK and Ireland; Big Balloon for publishing in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Blue Ocean for publishing in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; Blues Clothing for apparel in the UK and Ireland; GH Warner for footwear in the UK and Ireland; Minuto & Salomne Srl for umbrellas in Italy; Misirli for socks in the UK and Ireland; MV Sports for wheeled toys in the UK and Ireland; Parragon for books in the UK and Ireland; Prime for paper products in France; Leomil has a multi-territory licence for footwear; Belltex has a multi-territory licence for home goods; Rubies for costumes in EMEA; Sert-MST for health and beauty products in the UK and Ireland; Trademark Collections for luggage in the UK and Ireland; Van der Erve for apparel in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and Wal-Cor Corsanini for accessories in Italy.

Bloomgarden said: "We are confident that Power Rangers Samurai will continue to resonate with fans worldwide as we launch the series on new channels, and debut new products in the coming months and into 2012."

Saban is currently developing a Power Rangers Live Tour to take place in the US and Europe over 2012 and 2013.

MALIBU, Calif., Sep 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) continues to expand global distribution for toys based on the Monsuno(TM) original animated television series with exclusive agreements with Planet Fun for the New Zealand territory and Prima Toys for the South African territory.

"With Nickelodeon driving worldwide content distribution and high-profile partners including FremantleMedia Enterprises, Dentsu and Topps, we believe that Monsuno is poised to become a hugely successful international boys' action adventure property," said Carmine Russo, Executive Vice President of International, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "We are excited to move forward with our strategic plan to bring our innovative, action-driven Monsuno toys to children all over the world and are pleased to add the New Zealand and South African territories to the already stellar international line-up."

Planet Fun for New Zealand and Prima Toys for South Africa join the roster of international distributors for Monsuno toys, which also includes the Giochi Preziosi Group for Europe and Hunter Products for Australia.

The Monsuno series (52 x 30 min) is an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the Earth. Built around powerful, action-driven animation, dynamic characters and a deeply woven original story mythology, Monsuno is anticipated to develop into a powerful force in the boys action arena for years to come. Targeting boys 6 - 11, the Monsuno series will be supported by a JAKKS Pacific toy line featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, playsets, collectables, electronics and integrated role play.

Nickelodeon will launch the series to audiences on owned channels in the United States, Latin America, the United Kingdom, key European and Eastern European territories, Australia and New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia, Russia and Africa. The Monsuno series will first launch in the U.S. on Nicktoons, the fast-growing kids' network, and select English speaking countries.

The Monsuno(TM) series is being co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. & Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. FME will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide distribution of Monsuno TV programming except for Asia and act as the Master Licensing agent for the Monsuno brand outside of Asia. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line, which is expected to hit U.S. retail shelves to coincide with the U.S. TV series premiere anticipated for Spring 2012. The Topps Company has signed on to produce Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES & FREMANTLEMEDIA

FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, talkbackTHAMES, FremantleMedia Australia and Original Productions amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.

ABOUT DENTSU ENTERTAINMENT USA, INC.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. was formed in April 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 18,000 full-time employees and close to 100 offices worldwide. Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties. Current projects include Chub City(R), a toy based property featuring street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series, Deltora Quest(R), a 52-episode animated series based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name already airing in multiple markets worldwide, and Mameshiba(TM), a collection of animated shorts and character licensing program with over $100 million in product sales since 2008.

ABOUT THE TOPPS COMPANY, INC.

Founded in 1938, Topps (http://www.topps.com) is a leading creator and marketer of sports and entertainment cards, related collectibles, and popular confectionery brands. Topps products include Major League Baseball, NFL, WWE, UFC, Star Wars, Club Penguin, and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company's confectionery portfolio includes "Bazooka" bubble gum, "Ring Pop", "Push Pop", "Baby Bottle Pop" and "Juicy Drop Pop" lollipops. Topps was acquired in October 2007 by Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity group, and Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney. Headquartered in New York City, Topps also maintains offices in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Argentina.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. JAKK -0.29% announced today that it entered into a manufacturing agreement with Bandai Co., Ltd. for the toy line based on the Monsuno(TM) boys action adventure property. The Monsuno original animated television series is in production by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. ("Dentsu"). Bandai will exclusively distribute and market toys based upon the Monsuno television series in Japan under an agreement between Bandai and Dentsu, and JAKKS Pacific will manufacture the Monsuno toys to be distributed by Bandai in Japan.

"The strong reception we have received thus far for Monsuno in international markets underscores our belief that Monsuno is poised to become an outstanding international boys' action adventure property," said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "We are thrilled to have Bandai on board to make Monsuno toys available to audiences in Japan and we look forward to adapting the U.S. toy line for the Japanese market, evoking all the action, adventure and fun of the Monsuno experience. Our goal is to reach as many fans around the world as possible, and connect them to Monsuno in meaningful ways."

Bandai joins the roster of international distributors for Monsuno toys, which also include the Giochi Preziosi Group for Europe, Hunter Products for Australia, Planet Fun for New Zealand and Prima Toys for South Africa.

The Monsuno series (52 x 30 min) is an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. Built around powerful, action-driven animation, dynamic characters and a deeply woven original story mythology, Monsuno is anticipated to develop into a powerful force in the boys action arena for years to come. Targeting boys 6 -- 11, the Monsuno series will be supported by a JAKKS Pacific(R) toy line featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, playsets, collectibles, electronics and integrated role play.

Nickelodeon will launch the series to audiences on owned channels in the United States, Latin America, the United Kingdom, key European and Eastern European territories, Australia and New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia, Russia and Africa. The Monsuno series will first launch in the U.S. on Nicktoons, the fast-growing kids' network, and select English speaking countries.

The Monsuno(TM) series is being co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. & Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. FremantleMedia Enterprises will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide distribution of Monsuno TV programming except for Asia and act as the Master Licensing agent for the Monsuno brand outside of Asia. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line, which is expected to hit U.S. retail shelves to coincide with the U.S. TV series premiere anticipated for Spring 2012. The Topps Company has signed on to produce Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. was formed in April 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 20,000 full-time employees and more than 200 offices worldwide. Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties. Current projects include Chub City(R), a toy based property featuring street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series, Deltora Quest(R), a 52-episode animated series based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name already airing in multiple markets worldwide, and Mameshiba(TM), a collection of animated shorts and character licensing program with over $100 million in product sales since 2008.

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES & FREMANTLEMEDIA

FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, talkbackTHAMES, FremantleMedia Australia and Original Productions amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.

ABOUT THE TOPPS COMPANY, INC.

Founded in 1938, Topps ( www.topps.com ) is a leading creator and marketer of sports and entertainment cards, related collectibles, and popular confectionery brands. Topps products include Major League Baseball, NFL, WWE, UFC, Star Wars, Club Penguin, and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company's confectionery portfolio includes "Bazooka" bubble gum, "Ring Pop", "Push Pop", "Baby Bottle Pop" and "Juicy Drop Pop" lollipops. Topps was acquired in October 2007 by Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity group, and Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney. Headquartered in New York City, Topps also maintains offices in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Argentina.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

According to C21 Media, Nickelodeon UK is "on the look-out for hot new properties to bolster its preschool Nick Jr brand." You can read the full article here on the official C21 Media website (paid subscription required).

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Below is a high quality streaming video of one of Nickelodeon USA's "behind-the-scenes of iParty with Victorious" specials. The video is similar to the recent "iParty Nicksclusive!" Nick Extra special Nickelodeon UK and Ireland recently aired:

Some highlights from the "behind-the-scenes of iParty with Victorious" video above include some outside shots of Nickelodeon On Sunset, and some inside shots of Nickelodeon Animation Studios, which is located at 231 West Olive Avenue in Burbank, California, USA.

Also, below is another high quality streaming video of another of one of Nickelodeon USA's "behind-the-scenes of iParty with Victorious" specials, which goes behind-the-scenes as the casts of the Nickelodeon shows "iCarly" and "Victorious" record and film the song "Leave It All to Shine", a song which mixes the "iCarly" theme tune ("Leave It All to Me") and the "Victorious" theme tune ("Make It Shine") together into one song:

Fans get a behind-the-scenes look as the casts of Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Victorious hit the studio to record an epic mash-up of their theme songs entitled, “Leave it All to Shine,” which will be featured in the upcoming TV event "iParty with Victorious"

"Victorious Takes Over Nickelodeon Month" - The live action Nickelodeon show "Victorious" will be taking over Nickelodeon UK And Ireland during October 2011, with Nickelodeon UK and Ireland premiering brand new episodes of "Victorious" from Monday 3rd October 2011 at 6pm, and the premiere of the brand new "iCarly" special episode "iParty", which is a crossover episode with the cast of the Nickelodeon show "Victorious", on Friday 7th October 2011. The cast of "Victorious" will also be visiting London, UK in October 2011.

Although currently unconfirmed, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will probably broadcast the Original Nickelodeon Movie "The Boy Who Cried Werewolf", which stars Victoria Justice from Nickelodeon live action series "Victorious", around Halloween 2011.

According to Nick Jr. Channel UK's official "Dora the Explorer" website, Nick Jr. Channel UK And Ireland will premiere the brand new "Dora the Explorer" TV special "Dora's Ballet Adventure" on Friday 30th September 2011 at 4pm.

Spongebob Squarepants, plus retro properties including Cat Dog, Aaahh Real Monsters, Ren & Stimpy, Rocko's Modern Life and Rugrats, will all feature on a new exclusive t-shirt line from Johnny Cupcakes.

The collection will launch in three batches - the first tomorrow on September 24th, with the second and third following on November 5th and December 31st.

The tees will be sold in Johnny Cupcakes' store on Carnaby Street in London, while it will also launch in the US stores in Boston, LA and Hull (MA).

The first instalment will include three limited edition t-shirt designs featuring Spongebob Squarepants, Ren & Stimpy and Aaahh Real Monsters.

To celebrate the launch, Johnny Cupcakes will have giveaways and refreshments at stores on each of the three dates. In the UK, customers who are first in line will receive a goody bag, while there will also be meet and greets with Spongebob Squarepants.

"Nickelodeon and Johnny Cupcakes have cooked up something quite special with this partnership," said Mark Kingston, VP, UK and Australia and pan-European retail development, NCP. "Combining Johnny Cupcakes' iconic designs with the playful and often mischievous Nickelodeon characters has resulted in an incredible range of t-shirts which fans are going to love."